Illsutration by Sam Wiley
They've lit monuments, amplified concert halls, filmed time, and taught computers to read our minds. Each person on this list is brilliant in a different way, whether it's in terms of inventing, healing, designing, or discovering one's been to the Moon. Another takes his patrons over the Moon. And they're all inching—sometimes catapulting—us forward into a world that's more fluid, more connected, and more beautiful.
- Web Exclusive: See more ingenious work from St. Louis' best and brightest, including extra photos, video, and interviews from standout innovators in art, design, medicine, and other fields
- Web Exclusive: Read an interview with artist Juan William Chavez about his Pruitt-Igoe Bee Sanctuary.
- Web Exclusive: Learn why Gurpreet Padda is convinced that midtown is St. Louis' next growth area.
Dr. Eric. Leuthardt is fusing neurology with technology—and writing science-fiction thrillers in his spare time.
Yes, it really is brain surgery—but improved.
Inventor. Philanthropist. Dancer. Is there anything this guy can't do?
Dr. Gurpreet Padda and Ami Grimes have refined and perfected the concept of vertical intergration, moving far beyond the typical small-business owner.
It took a St. Louisan to revolutionize service in New York City. (Are you really surprised though?)
Craig Heller was among the first to transform downtown high-rises into lofts. Now he's moving to aquaponics.
Adrienne Davis has spent a lifetime studying law, sex, and race. Now, as vice provost at Washington University, she's applying what she's learned.
Tom Niemeier has dramatically improved spaces all over St. Louis—including his own.
Dorothée Imbert imagines the city of the future.
In a field of men, Barbara Harbach makes herself heard.
Van McElwee's art has evolved into genius, mashing up mediums along the way.
It was no easy task converting rockers to scientists.
Creating a community-driven concert.
Randy Burkett illuminates parks, museums, zoos—and their visitors.
How Sandra Magnus went from living in Belleville to living in space.
By Jeannette Cooperman, Rosalind Early, George Mahe, Christy Marshall, Jarrett Medlin, Stefene Russell, and Margaret Schneider
